Rain seeps into North Miami building; 200 displaced

More than 200 people were evacuated from a North Miami apartment building early Thursday after the heavy rain seeped through the roof, causing flooding and drop-ceilings to collapse, according to North Miami police.

More than 200 people were evacuated from a North Miami apartment building early Thursday after the heavy rain seeped through the roof, causing flooding and drop-ceilings to collapse, according to North Miami police.

The roof of the 80-unit apartment building at 13285 NE Sixth Ave. underwent repairs earlier in the week, but the job was never completed, said police spokesman Maj. Neal Cuevas.

“They apparently didn’t secure the roof,” said Cuevas. “This is all because of the rain.”

Cuevas said the rain began flooding the fourth floor apartments and then gradually worked its way down. It also filled the elevator and elevator shaft. Fire rescue crews and police were on scene helping to secure the building.

All the power has been shut down and the building is “uninhabitable,” said Cuevas.

He said the Red Cross was working to help find families temporary housing.